Hyundai Santa Fe vs Buick Envision

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, presenting a lower and wider stance that gave it a more premium crossover appearance. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, showcased a sculpted look that was more refined than its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, yet not as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim making its debut, featuring upgraded exterior elements like a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels. Inside, the Avenir boasted leather-appointed seating and a head-up display, while all Envisions came with LED lighting and a driver-centric cabin design that angled controls toward the driver.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its cosmetic enhancements, such as side steps that hindered entry and exit. The XRT was one of five gasoline trims, priced between the SE/SEL and the turbocharged Limited/Calligraphy trims. Our test vehicle, in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, lacked visual contrast, resembling a monochrome image. Despite this, the interior offered thoughtful design and quality for its price point, with patterns and brightwork enhancing the cabin's appeal. The Santa Fe XRT demonstrated Hyundai's commitment to comfort and practicality, though it lacked the upscale feel of higher trims.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This was a downgrade from the previous model's 252 hp and 295 lb-ft, but Buick managed to reduce the vehicle's weight by 200 to 300 pounds, depending on the trim. Despite the power reduction, the Envision offered competent daily drivability, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. Fuel efficiency improved, with the FWD model achieving 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, while AWD versions managed 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. However, engine and road noise affected the premium feel, and the drive mode selector's Sport mode did little to enhance performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While not built for speed, the engine was adequate for freeway cruising and sounded refined during acceleration. An eight-speed automatic transmission handled gear shifts smoothly, with Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes available. The XRT's fuel economy averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 24 mpg rating. The Santa Fe's ride quality was commendable, with excellent suspension isolation and quiet highway performance. Though the XRT's engine struggled on hills, the SUV's handling, steering, and braking were reliable, making it a solid choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign did not enhance cabin functionality, with reduced headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row compared to its predecessor. Rear-seat passengers lost two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room, though passenger volume remained similar to the 2020 model. Cargo capacity decreased, offering 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was challenging for shorter drivers. Despite these drawbacks, the Envision provided standard comfort features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offered a dual-zone automatic climate control system and rear air conditioning vents for passenger comfort. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat ensured a comfortable driving position, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear-seat accommodations were spacious, with ample legroom and foot room, making it suitable for families. The Santa Fe's cargo space was generous, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The hands-free Smart Tailgate added convenience, though it occasionally opened unintentionally. Overall, the Santa Fe provided practical storage solutions and comfortable seating for all passengers.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering responsive touch controls and a clean display. The driver could easily access station and song information on the available 8.0-inch driver information display. Standard tech included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features encompassed navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging, though the tech offerings were not groundbreaking.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Bluelink connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs for easy adjustments and clean graphics. While the XRT lacked the upgraded system available on higher trims, it offered digital key technology and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system. The Santa Fe's tech package was comprehensive, providing convenience and connectivity for modern drivers.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included standard safety features like forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Buckle to Drive feature ensured seatbelt use before shifting from park to drive. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced park assist were available on Avenir models, though the Envision lacked advanced systems like GM's Super Cruise.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist added extra layers of safety. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover score. The SUV's safety features were reliable, enhancing driver confidence and passenger protection.